SOMERSET batsman James Hildreth will be joined in Newton Abbot by ex-clubmate and England all-rounder Ian Blackwell for one of the first events of his testimonial season.
The occasion is a curry night out at the Eastern Eye restaurant on Wednesday March 29.
There will be a three-course curry meal, a sports quiz and also a question-and-answer session with the two stars.
Blackwell, now an umpire, spent part of his early cricket career playing midweek cricket in the school holidays for Paignton CC. The late Len Thomas, a Queens Park stalwart, was his godfather.
Hildreth and Blackwell no doubt have some very funny and enjoyable anecdotes from their careers to date to tell.
South Devon’s weekly newspaper the Herald Express has teamed up with Hildreth’s Testimonial year committee to organise the event.
Organisers are running a raffle on the night in aid of local charity Children's Hospice South West. Both the quiz and the raffle will have some great prizes on offer.
There are only a few places remaining. Individual tickets cost £25 per person with tables for four people available at £90.
“Get together with your friends and team-mates and come along for what promises to be a great evening's entertainment,” said testimonial year secretary Eric Cole.
To book contact Cole
Hildreth will be back in Newton Abbot on June 20 with his Somerset team-mates to play a testimonial game against South Devon CC.
The T20 format game is on Tuesday, June 20 at South Devon’s ground in Marsh Road.
Entry to the game will be by programme only, priced at £5 for adults and £3 for under-16s. Children under five get in free.
South Devon CC officials are hoping memories of the Peter Trego benefit game in 2015 will encourage the cricket lovers in the area to turn out in force again.
Nearly a thousand cricket fans crammed into the ground to watch Somerset take on South Devon, whose side was strengthened for the match by a guest appearance from West Indies star Chris Gayle.
Details of sponsorship and hospitality packages for the game on June 20 are available by contacting South Devon chairman Barry Widdicombe
